H160 helicopter meets key development milestone

Airbus Helicopters has announced the validation of the H160’s aeromechanical configuration. “Thanks to more than 200 hours accumulated in flight testing, and with the achievement of this formal program milestone, we have been able to confirm several key design assumptions and even exceed some of them against a real-life environment,” said Bernard Fujarski, senior vice president in charge of the H160 program.

“With the helicopter’s flight envelope now fully opened, we are confident that our next-generation helicopter will set new standards of flight experience for passengers and crews.”

The ongoing flight test campaign is being carried out with two prototypes at the company’s main site in Marignane, France. “Vibration levels have been a key objective since the launch of the program, and observed results give us confidence that the H160 will set new comfort standards for all missions segments, from EMS to passenger transport or private and business aviation,” said Fujarski.

The flight campaign will next focus on hot weather trials, followed by continued performance testing of the Arrano engines – now equipping both prototypes – as well as cold weather tests later in 2016. A third prototype will join the flight test program in 2017, to support the certification process ahead of the H160’s entry into service.

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Izzy has been part of the Business Jet Interiors International team since its second issue, and the editor since 2011. She also edits Auditoria and Railway Interiors International. Outside of work, Izzy is rediscovering her love of art by learning how to paint with watercolors.